BIDDEFORD, Maine (NEWS CENTER) - Students at Biddeford High School heard compelling arguments on both sides of an issue that police officers struggle with. When to chase after a suspect and when to call off the chase.
It was all part of the Maine Supreme Court's annual trip out into Maine schools.
In July of 2008 a Cumberland County Sheriff's deputy tried to pull a Standish man over for speeding. The man sped off, crashed his motorcycle and died from his injuries. The attorney representing the man's family argued it was a minor traffic offense and the deputy should not have chased after the man in accordance with his departments policy.
The supreme court's chief justice says presenting real cases under appeal make for interesting lessons.
"The students really I think come to understand much better what's happening in court by seeing real cases. They take it seriously, they give the cases the respect they deserve and we have found this to be a very positive experience", said Leigh Saufley, Chief Justice of the Maine Supreme Court.
A lower court found the deputy did not act with negligence and it ruled in favor of the county. Justices on the high court usually take several weeks to review appeals before announcing their decision.
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